Very underrated

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2005)

Recap: Lincoln 6 Echo wakes up, and its another beautiful morning. He puts on the same white clothes as he does every day and goes down to the dining central. After another bland meal he goes to work in the factory putting nutrition in different tubes. They can't go out because outside the world is contaminated, and only on the island can people walk outside and be truly free. But not everyone can go there, you have to win the lottery. And there is one new draw each day. But Lincoln 6 Echo has questions. Why must everybody wear the same clothes, what happens with the tubes at the factory, and is the world really contaminated? And why aren't he allowed to be close with his friend Jordan 2 Delta? Dr. Merrick, head of the plant, is concerned about Lincoln 6 Echo, but leaves him be, for now. But Lincoln 6 Echo finds a bug, and how can that have survived in the outside world. Curious he explores outside of his own sector, and stumbles on a terrific episode. He finds Starkweather, the lottery winner of the day, being cut open and harvested for his organs. And guess who wins the lottery the next day? Jordan 2 Delta.
Comments: Supposedly this flopped at the cinemas. I can't imagine why. First of all, the action is high paced, the explosions and special effects spectacular, and abundant. And for once, all the action is complemented by a good and above all consistent story that carries the entire movie. Admittedly, at the beginning, the movie is slow paced and a little confusing at times. But be patient, at least I found answers to all my questions. In fact, I was impressed with the use of foreshadowing and connections within the movie. Overall the directing was really good.
As for the cast, I can't believe the supposed failure was blamed on the lead actors. Not famous enough? Anyone with any claim to know anything about the movies should have heard of McGregor and Johansson. Come on, who have missed Star Wars, Trainspotting, Lost in Translation, Girl with the Pearl Earring, Moulin Rouge and so forth? And with a supporting cast like Bean, Buscemi and Hounsou. And add a small part for Clarke Duncan. Trust me, the cast is good.
As for the acting, the pairing of McGregor and Johansson was a success. They really fit together, and I wouldn't mind if they teamed up for another movie. And I really enjoyed when McGregor acted against himself. What a play with the dialect, what self distance. Great. And Bean contributed with another "good" bad guy. And once again Buscemi delivers. And Hounsou, whom I have only seen in small parts like Gladiator before, really carried himself well in a bigger part.
So, have I missed anything? Don't think so, can't think of anything right now anyway.